My cards are an extension of a value system. The value of the word on paper, a form of expression revered, respected, and utilized to prompt love and change among former and current clan members; the value of hand created sentiments, and the time that goes into both of these acts. My cards represent the value and the art of time spent and thoughts shared. It is the art of the card.
Wilfrida and Guido (my mother and father) taught me these values, and helped me understand the purpose and fun of writing a thank you note. My parents always composed amazing letters, chosen over a phone call, when someone was going through a difficult time. They both felt that in addition to a call, a letter was caring, personal, and supportive, it was an extension of the heart.
My parents (right) both wrote letters to editors and CEOs’ that were responsible for faulty products or bad customer service. They wrote with flair, humor, and style and the recipients always responded to their letters. They harnessed the power of not only gaining attention but also receiving a response, all through the medium of a letter. Both my parents utilized the strength of the words on paper to heal, to create change, and to grow relationships.
I wonder now, what is the future of the pen, ink, the letter typed, signed and posted? With the push to no longer teach cursive will we return to signing with an X?
In the future will we still be able to savor the joy of receiving an envelope addressed to us with our name, the delight of opening a card or letter specifically chosen for us? Or perhaps we will no longer relish personalized, hand-expressed thoughts, intentions, and love sent over so many miles. Are words destined to only exist on backlit screens and handheld devices?
It is up to us.
My hope is that Wilfrida’s Closet creates a forum for your thoughts on when, how, and where we should use the written/typed word, paper, ink, our personal touch. In this exciting electronic era, which has brought the globe together, will we keep a place for the word not sent through cyberspace?
We would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, ironically, on our blog or via email. We also invite you to participate in communication through post, pigeon or owl, sent to:
Rita,
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful thoughts and quips!
There is nothing that says "you are my friend and you are important to me" like a handwritten card, letter or note. Email is fine for quick conversations or to give info quickly, but pen and ink on a nice note is so much more personal. The cards make wonderful reminders to go into one's "box of treasures" to read and reread oover time.
Always, Sandy
As a writer, I confess to being consumed by e-mail. And my kids don't even do that-- they text. Lately I've been sending short stories to magazines, many of which require mailed submissions. It feels quaint. I still buy cards and send them to a very few people. Much paper is disappearing-- newspapers, maps. Northern California AAA told me recently that they have stopped printing many maps, because members have GPS and aren't asking for them. But a relative in the Army asked, "What is a GPS with a bullet hole in it? A: A paperweight. Q: What is a map with a bullet hole in it? A: A map."
ReplyDeleteMarc Brenman